CNMI reservists answer the call of duty

Lives of many were changed on July 16, 2004 when the Department of Defense signed mobilization orders for the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, one of the Army’s most decorated units and the Army Reserve’s only ground combat unit, to prepare for deployment to Iraq.

Echo Company Army Reservists from Saipan, Rota, and Tinian are part of this group, and made headlines in 2004 soon after news of their deployment was reported.

Company E comprises over 100 troops from Saipan, Rota, Tinian and Guam.

The Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport was filled with hugs, kisses, poster boards, and signs of support, and tears on the afternoon of Aug. 18, as the soldiers made their way to the departure terminal, leaving for the first phase of training in Hawaii, leaving behind a sizeable crowd of teary-eyed but supportive family members, friends, and loved ones.

“I can’t wait to go, do my job, and return to my family. I’ve been training for this for the past 13 years. The hardest part is leaving the family,” said Peter Aldan before the journey.

The soldiers’ courage seemed to have rubbed off on their family members, who were visibly trying to hold back tears over the troops’ departure.

“It hurts, but this is what [my husband] chose to do. All I can do is support him. I’m happy for my husband and the rest of his company because they’re leaving to serve our country. I know they’re going to pull through and they’ll come back,” said Aldan’s wife, Joanne Hamilton-Aldan.

The soldiers proceeded to Fort Bliss, Texas in October, where they joined the rest of their brigade, including those coming from California and Oregon.

While their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers were training in the second half of 2004, families on island joined together for support.

To the delight of their families, friends, and the community, several of the soldiers returned home last week for the Christmas holidays, and were greeted with open arms, praise, and support for their journey ahead.

Mixed emotions were expressed during their brief visit, with families explaining that they are happy with their holiday leave and would certainly cherish every moment. The sense that their loved ones will soon leave for a longer period of time, however, remained in their hearts and mind.

The soldiers were also treated to a benefit concert—Troop Fest 2004—that featured live entertainment by local artists and students.

Flights back to training began as early as two days ago, and would continue today up to Jan. 2.

The troops will train in Fort Polk, Louisiana, where they will undergo combat training.

According to Company Commander Franklin R. Babauta, the troops will leave for Kuwait in February. From Kuwait, the troops will make their way to Iraq, where they would serve for a maximum of 12 months.